Custom orthotics are one of the most misunderstood tools in physiotherapy. Some people think they’re just fancy insoles — others believe they’re only for elite athletes. The reality is that custom orthotics, when properly prescribed and fitted, can be one of the most effective tools for treating a wide range of foot, knee, hip, and back problems.
At Rishaan Physio & Wellness Clinic in Mississauga, our physiotherapists assess your foot mechanics and prescribe custom orthotics when they’re genuinely warranted — not as a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
What Are Custom Orthotics?
Custom orthotics are shoe inserts that are individually designed and fabricated based on a detailed assessment of your foot structure, gait, and the specific condition being treated. Unlike generic insoles bought at a pharmacy, custom orthotics are built from a cast or 3D scan of your foot and are designed to address your specific biomechanical issues.
Custom vs. Over-the-Counter — What’s the Difference?
Store-bought insoles offer basic cushioning and arch support. They’re built to fit the average foot — not yours. For mild foot fatigue or general comfort, they may be sufficient. But for actual biomechanical problems — flat feet, overpronation, leg length discrepancy, plantar fasciitis — they rarely provide adequate correction.
Custom orthotics are prescribed based on a clinical assessment, designed to control specific movement patterns at the foot, and built from materials matched to your activity level and body weight.
Conditions Custom Orthotics Help Treat
- Plantar fasciitis — distributes load away from the heel and supports the arch
- Flat feet (pes planus) — provides medial arch support and controls overpronation
- High arches (pes cavus) — adds cushioning and improves shock absorption
- Knee pain (patellofemoral syndrome) — corrects tibial rotation and reduces stress on the kneecap
- IT band syndrome — addresses overpronation that contributes to hip and knee pain
- Low back pain — corrects leg length discrepancies and pelvic tilt from foot imbalances
- Achilles tendinopathy — offloads the tendon with a heel lift
- Shin splints — controls excess tibial rotation during running
The Assessment Process at Rishaan Physio
Before prescribing orthotics, our physiotherapists conduct a comprehensive assessment including:
- Static foot posture assessment
- Dynamic gait analysis (watching how you walk and run)
- Lower limb alignment assessment (knees, hips, pelvis)
- Footwear review
- Condition-specific testing
From this, a prescription is generated specifying the type of orthotic, posting, material, and any specific features needed for your condition and lifestyle.
Are Custom Orthotics Covered by Insurance?
Many extended health insurance plans in Ontario cover custom orthotics — typically requiring a prescription from a registered physiotherapist or physician, and a biomechanical assessment. Coverage amounts vary by plan (commonly $200–$500 per year). Our team at Rishaan Physio can help you navigate your coverage.
How Long Do Custom Orthotics Last?
With normal wear, custom orthotics typically last 2–5 years. Athletic orthotics used in high-impact activities may need replacement sooner. Regular check-ins with your physiotherapist help assess whether your orthotics still align with your current needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom orthotics worth it?
For the right patient, absolutely. When there’s a genuine biomechanical issue contributing to foot, knee, hip, or back pain, custom orthotics can provide relief that stretching and strengthening alone cannot achieve. Your physiotherapist will assess whether orthotics are appropriate for your specific situation.
Are custom orthotics covered by insurance in Ontario?
Yes — many extended health plans cover custom orthotics, typically $200–$500 per year, when prescribed by a registered physiotherapist. A biomechanical assessment is usually required. Rishaan Physio can provide the necessary documentation for your claim.
How long do custom orthotics last?
Most custom orthotics last 2–5 years with normal use. Athletic orthotics may need replacement sooner. Your physiotherapist will monitor wear at follow-up appointments.
Can orthotics fix flat feet?
Orthotics don’t “fix” flat feet structurally, but they can significantly reduce the symptoms caused by flat feet — including plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and back pain — by supporting the arch and controlling overpronation.
Do I need a prescription for custom orthotics?
A prescription from a registered physiotherapist or physician is required for insurance claims. At Rishaan Physio, your assessment and prescription are completed in the same visit.
Get Custom Orthotics at Rishaan Physio Mississauga
Assessment + prescription in one visit. Direct billing to insurance available.
No referral needed | Same-day appointments | Open 7 days
📍 5105 Hurontario St, Unit 7, Mississauga 📞 Call (905)-800-1661